Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-07

MARKING ANNIVERSARY OF LOS ANGELES FIRE

TaxesForeign PolicyTradeHousing

Context

On 2026-01-07, Representative Judy Chu (D-CA-28) delivered a floor speech titled "MARKING ANNIVERSARY OF LOS ANGELES FIRE" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered foreign policy, trade policy.

Full Text

MARKING ANNIVERSARY OF LOS ANGELES FIRE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026)] [House] [Pages H110-H111] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] MARKING ANNIVERSARY OF LOS ANGELES FIRE (Ms. Chu of California was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago today, the communities of Altadena and Pasadena that I represent in California were struck by tragedy. In just a matter of hours, the Eaton fire, driven by hurricane-force winds reaching 90 miles an hour, forever changed the communities my constituents have called home for generations. The fire destroyed over 9,000 structures, most of them single-family homes. It scorched over 14,000 acres, decimating entire neighborhoods and turning places of worship, schools, restaurants, and community institutions to rubble. Most tragically, it took the lives of 19 of our loved ones, neighbors, and friends. We have recently learned that 440 additional people across southern California died in the month following the fire due to delays in medical care and exposure to toxic elements. The Eaton fire was the second most destructive wildfire in California's history. Those we lost helped to shape the fabric of their communities, and their absence has left a void that cannot be filled. They are in our thoughts on this 1-year anniversary of the fire. We remember Anthony Mitchell, Sr., a 68-year-old father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who brought everybody together, and we remember his son, Justin, who was born with cerebral palsy and was known for his infectious smile. Anthony and Justin both died waiting for help that they would never receive. We remember Victor Shaw, who resided in his beloved Altadena home for 60 years and who died with a garden hose in his hand, fighting to save his property. These are just a few of the stories of those we lost, all of whom were taken far too soon. That is why, today, I have introduced a resolution with Representative Sherman and Senators Schiff and Padilla to commemorate and honor all the lives that we lost in these fires. Even in our darkest days and every day since, survivors have shown extraordinary resilience and strength. First responders put their lives on the line to save others. Neighbors opened their doors to offer shelter to those who had nowhere to go. Organizations big and small came together to make sure our neighbors who had just lost everything had a warm meal, a roof over their heads, and a shoulder to cry on. Federal, State, and local governments mobilized to get families the help they needed, help that has made a tremendous impact on our road to recovery and rebuilding. Emergency operation hubs were propped up in a matter of hours. Recovery centers were created at an amazingly rapid speed so that survivors could access free individualized guidance and assistance when they needed it most. On top of that, FEMA approved over $150 million in housing and other emergency assistance. SBA approved over $3 billion in loans for small businesses, homeowners, and renters. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers did an amazingly fast residential wildfire cleanup. It was the fastest in our Nation's history. These efforts saved lives and laid the groundwork for recovery, but the work is nowhere close to being complete. Every day that Congress and the Trump administration continue to delay, recovery becomes harder and more expensive. Families have already waited 1 year while rebuilding costs rise, housing shortages deepen, and displacement assistance expires. Disaster aid is not a favor. It is a responsibility. Today, 70 percent of Eaton fire survivors have not yet returned home, and the majority have not even begun the arduous process of rebuilding. Almost one-half of survivors still reside in either temporary or unstable housing. Families are exhausting their savings, taking on debt, skipping medical care, and making impossible choices just to get by. Small businesses are struggling to reopen. Families whose homes are still standing but are contaminated with dangerous toxins are being forced to decide between a place to sleep and their health. Survivors need our help, and they need it right now. That is why I say something very important: President Trump and congressional Republicans must fulfill their responsibility to help communities impacted by disaster and [[Page H111]] fully deliver Governor Newsom's $34 billion disaster supplemental request with no strings attached. I have joined Democrats and Republicans across California in urging the administration to act immediately. Families can't afford further delay. We do not abandon people after a disaster. ____________________

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MARKING ANNIVERSARY OF LOS ANGELES FIRE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026)] [House] [Pages H110-H111] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] MARKING ANNIVERSARY OF LOS ANGELES FIRE (Ms. Chu of California was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago today, the communities of Altadena and Pasadena that I represent in California were struck by tragedy. In just a matter of hours, the Eaton fire, driven by hurricane-force winds reaching 90 miles an hour, forever changed the communities my constituents have called home for generations. The fire destroyed over 9,000 structures, most of them single-family homes. It scorched over 14,000 acres, decimating entire neighborhoods and turning places of worship, schools, restaurants, and community institutions to rubble. Most tragically, it took the lives of 19 of our loved ones, neighbors, and friends. We have recently learned that 440 additional people across southern California died in the month following the fire due to delays in medical care and exposure to toxic elements. The Eaton fire was the second most destructive wildfire in California's history. Those we lost helped to shape the fabric of their communities, and their absence has left a void that cannot be filled. They are in our thoughts on this 1-year anniversary of the fire. We remember Anthony Mitchell, Sr., a 68-year-old father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who brought everybody together, and we remember his son, Justin, who was born with cerebral palsy and was known for his infectious smile. Anthony and Justin both died waiting for help that they would never receive. We remember Victor Shaw, who resided in his beloved Altadena home for 60 years and who died with a garden hose in his hand, fighting to save his property. These are just a few of the stories of those we lost, all of whom were taken far too soon. That is why, today, I have introduced a resolution with Representative Sherman and Senators Schiff and Padilla to commemorate and honor all the lives that we lost in these fires. Even in our darkest days and every day since, survivors have shown extraordinary resilience and strength. First responders put their lives on the line to save others. Neighbors opened their doors to offer shelter to those who had nowhere to go. Organizations big and small came together to make sure our neighbors who had just lost everything had a warm meal, a roof over their heads, and a shoulder to cry on. Federal, State, and local governments mobilized to get families the help they needed, help that has made a tremendous impact on our road to recovery and rebuilding. Emergency operation hubs were propped up in a matter of hours. Recovery centers were created at an amazingly rapid speed so that survivors could access free individualized guidance and assistance when they needed it most. On top of that, FEMA approved over $150 million in housing and other emergency assistance. SBA approved over $3 billion in loans for small businesses, homeowners, and renters. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers did an amazingly fast residential wildfire cleanup. It was the fastest in our Nation's history. These efforts saved lives and laid the groundwork for recovery, but the work is nowhere close to being complete. Every day that Congress and the Trump administration continue to delay, recovery becomes harder and more expensive. Families have already waited 1 year while rebuilding costs rise, housing shortages deepen, and displacement assistance expires. Disaster aid is not a favor. It is a responsibility. Today, 70 percent of Eaton fire survivors have not yet returned home, and the majority have not even begun the arduous process of rebuilding. Almost one-half of survivors still reside in either temporary or unstable housing. Families are exhausting their savings, taking on debt, skipping medical care, and making impossible choices just to get by. Small businesses are struggling to reopen. Families whose homes are still standing but are contaminated with dangerous toxins are being forced to decide between a place to sleep and their health. Survivors need our help, and they need it right now. That is why I say something very important: President Trump and congressional Republicans must fulfill their responsibility to help communities impacted by disaster and [[Page H111]] fully deliver Governor Newsom's $34 billion disaster supplemental request with no strings attached. I have joined Democrats and Republicans across California in urging the administration to act immediately. Families can't afford further delay. We do not abandon people after a disaster. ____________________